Describe a place where you enjoyed learning about another culture You should say: what place it was

why you went there what you learned and explain why you enjoyed learning about this culture. * Awareness of Other Cultures How do people learn about other cultures? FQ Do you think the ways people learn about other cultures today are different to the ways people used to get knowledge decades ago? FQ What do you think is the best way to become familiar with another culture? FQ Do you think people's understanding of other cultures today is different to people's understanding of other cultures in the past? Do you think cultural diversity is a good thing? Do you think that rare languages should be preserved? See Note (Possibly the above question is this) Do you think that endangered languages should be preserved? (Possibly the above question is this) Do you think the cultures of small population groups should be protected? How do you suggest this could be done? International Relations Do you think international sports events are necessary (or, important)? FQ Do such event improve relations between countries? Do you think these events improve communication between countries? Do you think watching the news on international TV channels can improve relations (or communication) between countries? In what ways do you think international TV can influence the culture of countries? Do you think foreign news can influence relations between countries? Do you think there is such a thing as a "global culture"? Do you think it's good for a person to have some experience of working in different parts of the world? An Advertisement (Jan 9, 2014) Describe an advertisement that you have seen, and liked. * You should say: when you saw it where you saw it what the advertisement was about and explain why you liked it. * Part 3 See also the Part 3 for Topics 464, 352, 297, 190, 170, 121 & 65. The Nature of Advertising What are some of the different types (or examples) of advertising? FQ Do you think advertising is important? What do you think is the role (or purpose) of advertising? FQ Why do some people dislike advertisements (esp. those on TV)? What do you like and dislike about advertisements? Do you think it's good to have advertisements aimed at children? The Power of Advertising

Do you think people really buy the things they see them in an advertisements? FQx2 What is the influence of advertising on people? (Similar to above) How does advertising influence people? Do you think advertising influences young people's consumption? FQ Are there any advertisements that are aimed specifically at children? Do you think it's good for advertisements to be aimed at children? The Sounds of TV Advertising Which do you think is more important for a TV (or video) advertisement, what we see on the screen or or what we hear? Do you think some TV advertisements are too loud? Do you think music plays much of a role in advertising? FQ Advertising and Children Frequently used topic Do you like to see children's advertisements on TV? * Do you think advertising aimed specifically at children should be allowed? FQx2 What are the possible negative effects of advertising aimed at children? * Are there any ads that, while not specifically aimed at children, are still harmful to children? Brand Names Frequent sub-topic What are some (famous) brands names that are especially popular with young people (or, teenagers)? Why do you think young people are attracted to some particular brands? In what ways are some advertisements aimed especially at young people (or, teenagers)? Do you think the brand of a product is important to people? FQ For the producer (the company that makes a product), what are the advantages of having a well-known brand name? FQ Do you think the products with the less well-known brands (= the less advertised brands) are competitive with the well-known brands? Are well-known brand name products cheaper or more expensive than products that have no brand name (or whose brand name is not well known)? (Why?) Do you think too much money is spent advertising brand name products? What do you think would be the result if less money were spent on this advertising? * Internet Advertising Is there much advertising on the internet? Why do many websites have advertisements? What do you think of these advertisements? A Work of Art (Sep. 7, 2013) Describe a statue or other work of art that you have seen. * You should say: where you saw it when you saw it * what it looked like * and explain your understanding of what this work of art means (or, represents). * or explain your impressions of this work of art. * -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Part 3

Most of these questions seem to be about the visual arts such as painting, sculpturing, designing (e.g., fashion design, magazine cover designing ) etc. But the questions could (in theory) be expanded to include all art forms. "Art" can also include the performing arts such as singing, acting, dancing, playing musical instruments etc, or the literary arts such as novel-writing and poetry. Creating films is another variety of art, similar to photography. Architecture, i.e., the design of buildings, is another example of art but it is combined with engineering. Artistic Tastes in Your Country Do people in your country like art? What types of art do people in your country like? FQx2 (Possible question following the question above) Which of those is the most popular? Do you think elderly people and young people have the same tastes in art? Where can (or, do) people see examples of art? How could the government encourage people to see more art? Do you think foreign (or Western) art is very different to the art in your country? In your country, is international (or, foreign) art more popular than art from your country? Would you say art is important? Why do some paintings (and other works of art) have higher value than others? What kinds of art is the most valuable (in terms of monetary value)? Do you think it's right for someone to make a replica of a valuable (or famous) work of art? Being an Artist Do you think anyone (or, everyone) can be an artist if they want? What is your opinion about the usefulness of having artists in society? Do you think young people today should study art? (Possibly) Do you think art should be a (compulsory) subject to study at school? * Do artists usually have much money? Do you think the government should give money to artists to enable them to produce works of art? FQ (Similar to above) Do you think the government should support the arts? FQ Do you think the government should support street artists (or graffiti artists)? Do you think government should invest in art? Exhibitions and Art Galleries Are art galleries very popular in your country? FQ How often do you go to an art gallery (or art exhibition)? Why do people like to go to art galleries and similar exhibitions? What kinds of people generally go to art galleries (or, art exhibitions)? Is the entry charge to art galleries very expensive? 381. A Foreign Culture (2) (Jan 12, 2012) (Probably no longer used) Describe a foreign culture that you are interested in. You should say: what this culture is what you know about this culture how you learned about this culture and explain why you feel this culture is interesting. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Part 3 See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 29. The Influence of Foreign Cultures / Learning About Foreign Cultures

Are there many ways in your country for people to learn about foreign cultures? Do you think it's easier to learn about foreign cultures today than it was in the past? FQx2 How much do you think the internet is giving people more exposure to foreign cultures? Do you think this exposure is always positive? * What are the benefits of knowing about a foreign culture? FQx2 Do you think learning about foreign cultures can help people better understand their own culture? If a person want to absorb a foreign culture, how can they do it? Do you think it's useful to actually travel to another place if one wants to learn about the culture of that place? FQ Do you think foreign visitors to a country (for example, your country) can influence the culture of that country? How different or how similar is the culture you just spoke about (in Part 2) to your own culture? Do you think it's important for people to preserve their own culture (or is it better for everybody to influence each other's culture?) See Note What do you think the result will be, in the future, as people learn more about other cultures? Foreign Languages Do you think it's necessary to learn the language of a place when you learn about the culture of that place? What is the value of learning foreign languages? How can a person learn a foreign language? Do you think understanding a foreign culture helps a person to learn the language of that place? (Similar to above) Do you think knowing a foreign language helps a person to understand the culture of that place? Museums (and Other Cultural Facilities) (This is a possible sub-topic here; unconfirmed.) Do you think people can learn much about other cultures by visiting museums? * Do you think museums should be free to enter? A Wedding (Sept. 3, 2011) (Probably no longer used) Describe a wedding you attended (or, would like to attend/ or, would like to have). * You should say: whose wedding it was (or, whose wedding it would be) * who was there (or, who would be there) * where it was (or, where it would be) * and explain how you felt about this wedding (or, how you would feel). * Part 3 See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 108 Weddings People's Feelings about Weddings Do you like weddings? FQ (Similar to above) Why do people like to attend other people's weddings? FQ Why do you think the media pays so much attention to the weddings of celebrities (e.g., film stars, royalty)? Weddings in Your Country Frequent Sub-topic In your country, are weddings in the rural areas the same as weddings in the city? What are some wedding customs from your country?

To your knowledge, are there any wedding customs in your country that are different to wedding customs in the (English-speaking) West? Do you think arranged marriages are a good idea? Size of Weddings Which do you think is better, a large wedding or a small one? FQx2 (Similar to above) Which would you prefer when you get married, a large wedding or a small one? FQx2 Age At what age can people get married in your country? What age do you think is the most suitable for marriage? FQ Do you think it's suitable (or, good) for teenagers to get married? If two people with a big difference in ages got married, do you think they might have any problems in the future? Wedding Gifts Frequent Sub-topic Are there any special customs in your country about giving wedding gifts? What sorts of wedding gifts do people give in your country? FQ What wedding gifts do you think are the most suitable? Do you think it's more suitable to give money as a wedding gift or to give something that the newly married couple will be able to use in their home? Married Life Do you think marriage is important? Why do we have such a thing as "marriage"? * Do you think more people (or, a greater percentage of the population) are getting married today compared to the past, or fewer people? (Why?) Why do some people never get married? Men's & Women's Differences Frequent Sub-topic Do you think men and women have differing views about marriage? In your country, do men and women have equal status in marriage? In your country, do men and women have different roles to play in a marriage? Do you think men and women should share some responsibilities in a marriage? Do you think men should do more housework than they do now? Celebrations Why do people have celebrations such as weddings? (Similar to above) Do you think celebrations such as weddings are important? A Magazine or Newspaper (May 7, 2011) (Probably no longer used) Describe a magazine or newspaper that you like to (or, often) read. You should say: what magazine or newspaper it is what the magazine or newspaper is about how often you read it what kinds of people generally read this magazine or newspaper and explain why you like to read it. Part 3 See also the Part 3 questions for Topic 203, Topic 141 and Topic 101 Magazines In your country, what kinds of magazine are available?

(Similar to above) In your country, what kinds of magazines are most popular? What sorts of magazines do young people like to read? FQ Do older people also like to read those types of magazines? (Similar to above) Do older people and young people like to read the same types of magazines? FQ Do men and women like to read the same kinds of magazines? (Why?) FQx2 Do people in the countryside generally read the same kinds of magazines as people in the cities? Do you think magazines might one day disappear? What's the difference between (the information in) magazines and books? There are some magazines that deal with reality and some that don't. Can you think of any examples of these? Newspapers What different types of newspapers do you have in your country? What people today read newspapers? Do young people read newspapers as much as old(er) people? The Reliability of Information What information can (or, do) people get from (or, learn from) books? Do you (always) trust the information that you read in magazines and newspapers? Where (or how) do you think you can find reliable information? Do you think what we see on the internet is sometimes dangerous? Why is this material on the internet? 476. Something that Helped You Learn a Foreign Language (Jan. 5, 2013) Still in Use Version A Describe something that helped you learn another language (besides your own language). You should say: what it was where you used it who you used it with and explain how this thing helped you. Version B Describe something you did that helped you learn another language (besides your own language). You should say: what it was you did where you did it who you did it with and explain how this activity helped you. Version C Adaptation of Topic 115 Describe another language that you would like to learn. You should say: the name of this language (& where it is spoken) how you would learn it what equipment or facilities you would need to study this language * and explain what difficulties you think you would have (or, might have) when learning this language. * or

and explain why you would choose to study this language. * Notes

I believe the topic in use is something like either Version A or B, which was Topic 171. It is possible that Version C was in use from January to either the end of April or the end of August this is not clear - but I think Version A is the wording in use now. To be safe, I suggest you at also be prepared to answer Version C in case that really is the wording. Also see the previously written Notes

Part 3 See also the Part 3 questions for Topics 49, 115, 171 and 280. The words, "another language" could be used to describe another language that is used within your country. That is, a different language to the one you use but one that is not really a "foreign" language. Examiners probably vary the way they word that in these questions. Learning Another language Is learning foreign languages popular in your country? FQ Why do people want to learn another language? How do people in your country learn these languages? What do you think are the benefits of knowing another language? FQx2 (Similar to above) What do you think are the benefits of being multi-lingual? Do you think learning a foreign language can help you learn that culture? Do you think it's difficult to learn another language? FQ (Similar to above) Do you think it is difficult to learn English? FQ (Similar to above) Do you find it difficult to learn a foreign language? FQ What are the difficulties that people encounter when learning another language (or, a foreign language)? FQ (Similar to above) What do you think is the most difficult part of learning a language? FQx2 Do you think it's better to start learning another language as an adult or as a child? FQ (Similar to above) What do you think is the best age to learn a foreign language? FQ What are the differences between old and young people learning a language? Who do you think learns a language easier (or, faster), children or adults (or, old people)? FQx2 (Similar to above) Who do you think is more suitable for learning a foreign language, children or elderly people? FQx2 How does (or, how can) someone learn another language? (Similar to above) How would you learn another language? (Similar to above) What do you think is the best (most effective) way to learn another language? FQ Do you think overseas travel can help people learn a foreign language? Do you think it's best to study a foreign language in a university in your country or in a university overseas? (Similar to above) Some people think the best way to learn a foreign language is to go to the the country where it is spoken. Do you agree? FQ Do you think there is any value in learning a minority language that is spoken in your own country? What do you think are the benefits of someone learning a language that is spoken in a neighbouring country? Do you think modern ways of learning a language are different to the ways people learned a language in the past? How has the learning of foreign languages (in your country) changed in the past few decades?

How has the technology that is used for studying a foreign language changed in the past few decades? How do you imagine such technology might change in the future? Do you think learning another language can help a person better understand his or her own culture? Do you think watching a foreign film (in a foreign language) with subtitles can help people learn that language? Children Learning languages Do you think it's useful for children to learn another language (or, languages)? (Similar to above) What are the benefits of children learning another language? How has the teaching of languages to children changed in your country in the past few decades? Do you think it's a good idea to teach languages (or, a language) to children in primary school? At what age do you think it is best to start learning another language? * Languages and International Relations In what ways do you think international relations are improved when national leaders can speak foreign languages? Do you think that, by learning a foreign language you also learn about the culture of the people who speak that language? English is widely used as an "international language". Do you think it would cause a threat to other languages if it was officially designated as the international language (= the one and only official international language) ? 475. A Useful Website (Jan. 5, 2013) Still in Use Version A Describe a useful website that you have visited. You should say: when you visited it how you first found out about this website what the website is about and explain why you think (thought) it is (was) useful.* or and explain what you like(d) about this website. * Version B Describe a (useful) website that visit. You should say: when you visit it how you first found out about this website what the website is about and explain why you think it is useful. * or and explain what you like about this website. * Notes

This is probably a repeat of Topic 385 or 114. However, the verb tense is not clear. If it is Version A, then it is more suitable to talk about a website that you have been to but one that you don't visit often. If it is Version B, then the meaning is "a website that you regularly visit". I think Version B (a site you visit regularly) is the more likely real wording.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Possible follow-up questions: Would you recommend that website to other people? (The question above might be this) Have you recommended that website to other people? -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Part 3 See also the Part 3 questions for Topics 385 & 114. The Internet See Note Do you often go onto the internet? How much time do you spend on the internet? What do you do on the internet? Is the internet very popular in your country? What do people do on the internet? What are the good points and the bad points about playing games on the internet? Can you suggest why online games so popular? What role do online games serve? What are the most popular websites in your country? FQ What are the most popular websites in your country for young people? FQx2 What influence (or, impact) does the internet have on society? FQ (Similar to above) In what ways is the internet useful (or, beneficial) for society? FQ Do you think there are any downsides (negative aspects) to using the internet? FQx2 Do you have any suggestions on how these problems could be overcome? How do you think the internet has changed society? Has the way people work been changed by the introduction of the internet? Do you think (some) people use the internet too much? * Do you think we rely on the internet too much? * Do you know anyone who doesnt use the internet? Do you think you could live without the internet? FQ What is life like for those people who dont use the internet? FQ Please compare those people who do not use the internet with those who do use it. FQ How would your life be different if, for some reason, you couldn't use the internet? * FQ In what ways are people who do not use the internet disadvantaged? In what ways do you think poor people would benefit if they could use the internet? Who do you think uses the internet the most in your country? Do males and females use the internet for different purposes? Do people of all ages use the internet? FQx2 Is there much difference between what people of different ages do on the internet? FQ Do children use the internet? Do you think parents should supervise their children when the children use the internet? FQ How do you think this can (or, should) be done? Do elderly people (e.g., > 65) use the internet very much? (Why not?) FQx2 Do you think they should (or need to) use it? * (Similar to above) Do you think it would be useful for elderly people to use the internet? * How do you suggest more elderly people could be taught how to use the internet? FQ Would you agree that the internet has created some changes to the way society is organized (or, the way different groups exist in society)? What do you imagine the future of the the internet might be?

Do you think the popularity of the internet will increase in the future? Do you think the information on the internet is reliable? FQ Which do you think is better if you are searching for information, to search the internet or to visit a library? How can a person ensure (or increase the chances) that the information they get on the internet is accurate (or, true)? FQ Do you (or, would you) prefer to buy a newspaper to get the news or go onto the internet to get the news? (Why?) FQ (Similar to above) Which do you think is better, to get your news from the internet or get it from newspapers? (Why?) FQ Do you think internet news will one day replace newspapers? Do you agree that the internet will strengthen co-operation between countries? Online Shopping / Online Business Frequent Topic Is online shopping very popular in your country? What sorts of things do people buy online? Do you ever buy anything on the internet? How does one buy something online? Do all age groups do online shopping? What do you think are the pros and cons of shopping online? FQx2 Do you think it's safe to use the internet for online shopping? Do you have any suggestions on how these dangers or problems could be overcome? How do you think online shopping will develop in the future? Online Education Do you ever learn anything from your internet use? Do university students use the internet very much in their studies? Is the internet used much in schools and universities in your country for teaching purposes? Does (or, did) your high school (or, primary school) ever use the internet for teaching? Do you think the use of the internet for teaching is a good idea? Do you think the use of the internet for teaching will increase in the future? Do you think it's possible that the internet, or computers, might one day replace paper books?
V d cu tr li mu ca mnh cho ch trn: - Well, I would like to tell you about one of the most interesting paintings that I have ever seen in my entire life. I saw that picture for the first time nearly 4 years ago, when I was still in high school. I dont understand why but at that time I seemed to be so into art (*), and

paintings in particular, so I always got excited to discover new paintings. - One weekend, my uncle gave me a phone call and he told me that he had just bought a very expensive painting. He knew that I loved art, so he called me right after the purchase, and he invited me to come to his house to see it. Of course I went to his house immediately because I just simply couldnt wait any longer. He lived quite far away from my home, so it took me almost 1 hour to get there.

- It is very difficult to describe my feelings when I first looked at that painting. It was amazingly beautiful. The most noticeable thing in the picture was a boy. He was sitting on the beach building a sand castle. He was smiling, and I could really feel his happiness through that smile. He looked completely innocent and lovely, and thats what made the picture so brilliant.

- That painting was so impressive to me. It looked so real that I couldnt believe it was created by a person. Since then, everytime I come to my uncles house, I have to look at that picture, because I always feel happy when I see it. In my opinion, the artist who made that painting was a genius, because he could really touch the heart of the viewers.

Ever since I was a little girl I have always been a huge fan of western style paintings. The most memorable piece of artwork that I have come across would probably be the Mona Lisa which was painted by the famous artist and inventor, Leonardo DaVinci. I first saw this painting when I was in primary school, my art teacher taught us about DaVincis paintings and of course the Mona Lisa was one of them. At first I thought it was just a boring portrait for an old woman but the more I looked at it the more I began to be attracted by her strange smile. It was also a little funny to me because she had no eye brows and her hair style is different to what Im used to. In my opinion DaVinci painted her almost like St Mary She has a kind and gentle look and is always smiling at you, even her sitting posture is very elegant with one hand over the other. I think its because Davinci was a Christian and also painted religious paintings such as the Last Supper. I personally think the Mona Lisa is truly an impressive painting, after all it was painted by the great Leonardo DaVinci without it the world just wouldn't be the same.